Relocating to Albany/Salem area from Iowa

[kittyhox]

I should add that I agree with earlier posters who are steering you toward Keizer and South Salem. West Salem is one of the more desirable places in Salem, also.



It's hard for me to relate to Kristy because I live in a place where the cost of living is so much more expensive than Oregon (Seattle). So to me, the Willamette Valley seems affordable. It's all relative. I couldn't afford to live in California or New England, so there you go.

[musicaldogs]

Originally Posted by zapped70

I've read through quite a few posts and done a lot of homework on Oregon, but still find some things a bit vague. We have never been to Oregon before, so any info, however mundane it may seem to you would likely be of great help to us. I am particularly interested in the schools (I have a 1 year old and a 19 year old - the 19 year old was in the local community college for graphic design how's the graphic design programs out there?) I have also heard the schools are overcrowded. How are allergies there? Are the people pretty friendly? So far, I have read a lot from some pretty good people on this site. I am a RN, and my husband has been in manufacturing for the last 3 years, how are the employment prospects? We will also be looking into getting a house down the road (renting first for a while). I have heard a lot of things about how the gov. owns so much land, is it possible to find a reasonably priced house in a nice family oriented neighborhood? What towns do you think are good and why? Any info, positive or negative is greatly appreciated.

Just out of curiosity, why are you leaving Iowa?
Rains and is cloudy 7 or 8 months of the year. Not much in the way of health care unless you are employed. You might want to stay away from NE Salem and Lancaster Blvd. Many illegal immigrants. Lots of traffic in Salem. Downtown Salem and South Salem are all right. Some of the parks are pretty nice. I've heard Salem schools are much better than Keizer's.

[tnstaafldb]

What is the political/religious climate in Salem? Would an agnostic Democrat be socially comfortable there? I made the mistake of relocating to San Diego from CT without checking out that part of life and I feel like I've been hiding part of my identity for years now. I would like to live somewhere where different views are at least tolerated.

[bobmulk]

I would say Salem is relatively conservative. I'm a Christian Independent (dontcha just LOVE labels?) and I've noticed a distinct change towards more liberalism in this area. I think that might be due to the location of state government. But then, it's all relative. There's a lot of churches and they are heavily involved in community affairs--at risk youth, single mothers, homeless, etc. If you don't like an environment that has a vibrant, involved Christian community, you might not like Salem.

[MajorHart]

I'm an agnostic too and my wife is religious but we don't have a problem and we just go on and live our lives and in all the places we've been, it's never been a problem.

That includes sacramento, sandiego, Medford, stockton, fresno, paso robles - only a few have asked us.

Most realize that if they don't see us gone on sunday morning or in their church - probably we are not like them.

[Silverfall]

I lived in Portland for 9 years, and now Salem for almost 8. Salem hospital and Silverton hospital are great. There is shortage of nurses and you should have no trouble finding a job. Graphic design is very competative here, but Portland has some excellent companies including Weiden and Kennedy (which was mentioned in another comment).

Salem is a great family place. I have a 7 and 5 year old. My son goes to Schirle elementary and his first grade class has 23 kids. I volunteer in his class once a week and his teacher is great. For family areas, I would look at Keizer, south and west Salem. North Albany also has good schools, as does Corvallis.

My husband has asthma and his allergies flair up in the Spring and fall. Mold and pollen, I think are the two biggest culprits out here.

I think people are friendly in both Portland and Salem. I think Oregon, in general, is a welcoming state.

[little peg]

Originally Posted by zapped70

I've read through quite a few posts and done a lot of homework on Oregon, but still find some things a bit vague. We have never been to Oregon before, so any info, however mundane it may seem to you would likely be of great help to us. I am particularly interested in the schools (I have a 1 year old and a 19 year old - the 19 year old was in the local community college for graphic design how's the graphic design programs out there?) I have also heard the schools are overcrowded. How are allergies there? Are the people pretty friendly? So far, I have read a lot from some pretty good people on this site. I am a RN, and my husband has been in manufacturing for the last 3 years, how are the employment prospects? We will also be looking into getting a house down the road (renting first for a while). I have heard a lot of things about how the gov. owns so much land, is it possible to find a reasonably priced house in a nice family oriented neighborhood? What towns do you think are good and why? Any info, positive or negative is greatly appreciated.

Hi, I also am in the health care field, lots of jobs in long term care, hospitals require some speciality exp. The valley is the grass seed capital of the world so do be aware, it is really exceptionally severe in the Eugene area, now i am retired out of state due to the increasing cost of living, schools are an area by area situation. The market is soft so take your time buying a home, there will be many good deals coming, good luck

[debgab]

If you are thinking of moving to Albany, I can make suggestions. I've lived here my entire life and have lived in several areas of town.
If you are looking for good grade, middle, or high schools... consider North Albany. It is in a different county (Benton rather than Linn) and the homes, location, and schools are really the best, in my opinion. The property there may be a bit more expensive than in other areas of town, but the people are more personable and much more parental involvement in the schools making for a better education.
West Albany area is more affordable and still great schools. Yes, unfortunately the middle and high schools are more crowded than should be.
Albany is a great community to live & work in with much less traffic & crime than in Salem. Welcome!